The map shows the production value at producer price (values at current prices) in € PPS of the irrigated potatoes per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe at NUTS2 level

The map shows the production value at producer price (values at current prices) in € PPS of the irrigated sugarbeet per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe at NUTS2 level

The map shows the production value at producer price (values at current prices) in € PPS of the irrigated citrus per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe at NUTS2 level

The map shows the production value at producer price (values at current prices) in € PPS of the irrigated maize (green and grain) per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe at NUTS2 level

The chart displays the production value (at producer price and at current values) in € PPS of the irrigated citrus plantations per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe

The chart displays the production value at producer price (values at current prices) in € PPS of the irrigated sugar beet, rape and sunflower per volume of water used for their irrigation (in m3) among different countries in Europe.

European Union legislation has established more than 130 separate environmental targets and objectives to be met between 2010 and 2050. Together, these can provide useful milestones supporting Europe’s transition towards a ‘green economy’, according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The 'green economy' has emerged as a priority in policy debate in recent years. But what does the concept mean in practice and how can decision-makers measure progress towards this strategic goal? This report provides some answers, presenting a detailed overview of the key objectives and targets in EU environmental policy and legislation for the period 2010 2050. It focuses on selected environmental and resource policy areas, specifically: energy; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ozone-depleting substances; air quality and air pollution; transport sector emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants; waste; water; sustainable consumption and production (SCP); chemicals; biodiversity and land use.

Land take by the expansion of residential areas and construction sites is the main cause of the increase in the coverage of urban land at the European level. Agricultural zones and, to a lesser extent, forests and semi-natural and natural areas, are disappearing in favour of the development of artificial surfaces. This affects biodiversity since it decreases habitats, the living space of a number of species, and fragments the landscapes that support and connect them. The annual land take in European countries assessed by 2006 Corine land cover project (EEA39 except Greece) was approximately 108 000 ha/year in 2000-2006. In 21 countries covered by both periods (1990-2000 and 2000-2006) the annual land take decreased by 9 % in the later period. The composition of land taken areas changed, too. More arable land and permanent crops and less pastures and mosaic farmland were taken by artificial development then in 1990-2000. Identified trends are expected to change little when next assessment for 2006-2012 becomes available in 2014.